Truth is a tyrant-the only tyrant to whom we can give our allegiance. The service of truth is a matter of heroism.
John F. KennedyRead
Anyone can be a barbarian; it requires a terrible effort to remain a civilized man.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Civilization requires effort and self-control, whereas succumbing to barbarism is easy.
This quote by Leonard Woolf highlights the idea that maintaining civility and a moral high ground in a world that often leans towards chaos requires significant effort and discipline. It suggests that while anyone can act primitively or without thought, it takes true strength and resolve to uphold civilized behavior and values, which can be a constant struggle against our more base instincts.
Themes
CivilizationEffortSelf-ControlBarbarismMoral Values
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of maintaining ethics in leadership.
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